Tuesday in Managua

Yesterday we spent the morning going door to door in a poor neighborhood in Managua sharing the gospel and announcing the "festival" in the evening. There were kids everywhere--since school is out, many of them were home alone. We knew that we would have our hands full with the kids that evening. Sure enough, we were right. Even with 6 adults working the inflatable, the 75 kids in each line were all over the place! We really got a workout trying to keep kids from getting hurt--we did "pull the plug" on it about 15 minutes early. Even with the early shutdown of the inflatable, there was a big crowd for the movie, drama and preaching, and 30 or more people made the most important decision of their life.

Today we had our morning devotions at VidaNueva/Managua. It was the first time we had seen the church because our Sunday service was at the hotel. The rental house is very nice; three bedrooms are used for a nursery and kids classes. After devotions we followed the same routine as yesterday, in a different neighborhood. We went back tonight at 4:30 and although there were 30-50 kids in each line, they were well behaved. Stephen got a chance to meet Ernesto who was watching his two boys on the inflatable. At the conclusion of the gospel presentation, we were so excited to see that Ernesto made a decision for Jesus. He promised that he would be in church on Sunday. This is what it's all about--thank you for praying for the work the team is doing in Managua this week.

Sunday in Managua

A good night of rest was all we needed after yesterday's bus marathon! We have a small team in Managua this week. There are 6 from the States, along with 14 from El Salvador. VidaNueva/Managua normally has two services on Sunday--one in the morning and one in the evening, but today everyone met together at the hotel. There were 65 in the service this morning; the most exciting thing about the service (even more than the sermon in English) was that the service concluded with 6 baptisms in the hotel pool.

Everyone met back at the hotel at 4:30 and walked to the park around the corner for the evening campaign. My goodness, there were lots of kids and they didn't want to wait their turn in line for the inflatable. It's a good thing Paula was here, too, because she was using a good deal of Spanish to keep them organized.

The team went door to door and by 6:30 the park was full of people who came for the movie, drama and message.

Please pray that we have a great week in the neighborhoods of Managua.

Yellow School Bus to Managua

Bags packed and by the front door before going to bed last night: check. Alarm sounded at 3:45 AM, up, dressed, bed made, cooler loaded, final look around--check. Loaded the truck and off to church at 4:05 AM--check. Easy drive with little traffic until Stephen realized he left his backpack on the couch! U-turn and mad dash home (6 minutes), backpack loaded in truck and on the way to church again at 4:20 AM. Bus loaded and trip started at 5:10 AM--check! Expecting a 10 hour+ bus ride--check!

I don't ever remember being on a 10-hour+ bus ride (on a school bus), but if I was, it was 40 or more years ago. I have to say that the roads we were on made it feel like we were in a tin can rolling over a gravel road! It took about 4 hours to get to the El Salvador/Honduras border and boy was it hot--at least 90! As gringos, we had to unload and go into to the immigration office at each border--leave El Salvador, enter Honduras. There were numerous checkpoints after we passed into Honduras.

Another 4 hours and we were at the Honduras/Nicaragua border. Even hotter there . . . . and gringos out of the bus to leave Honduras and enter Nicaragua. This time we weren't the hold up, though. It took more than an hour for them to clear the bus and equipment so we could enter Nicaragua.

Finally, 14 1/2 hours after leaving Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva in San Salvador, we arrived at the hotel in Managua, Nicaragua. Quick dinner at McDonalds and we're now relaxing in the room. Breakfast in the morning and then church at 9:00.

Stay tuned as we meet the team from California and Texas and begin the week of evangelism for Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva, Managua.

Thankful in El Salvador

The day started with a very early trip to New Life Christian School for the Thanksgiving program and breakfast for parents. I'm so thankful that we teach in the afternoon, because the 6:30 a.m. trip this morning is not something I would want to do everyday.

Thanksgiving dinner was a joint Rhoades/Parris project: chicken (turkey is almost $2 a pound here), mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie/whipped cream for dessert. Everything tasted awesome and, as usual, everybody ate more than they needed. Luckily, we didn't have too many leftovers as all four of us are leaving for Nicaragua on Saturday morning!

The day was also filled with lots of phone calls to family and friends. We were able to Skype with Daniel, Shannon, Maleia and Jon tonight. They are all in Oregon for the holiday.

It was 85, sunny and beautiful here today. With this weather, it's really hard to believe Christmas is just a month away. I know we are going to be in for a shock, if not "in shock," when we step off the plane at KCI in December.

What a difference a year makes! Last year we celebrated Stephen's birthday in El Salvador while on our "survey" trip. This year we celebrated his birthday while on a mission trip in Guatemala City and today we had our first Thanksgiving in El Salvador. As we look back, we can see God's hand on our lives and His continuing blessings. We are so thankful for all of you who are on this journey with us . . . . your prayers and support are so important to us.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Stephen's 60th birthday and we celebrated with a trip to Antigua, Guatemala. Actually, we joined the team from Valley Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA, on a 6 hour tour.

Nothing like strolling through buildings that were built in the 1500's to make you feel young! Antigua was the original capital of Guatemala, but after much of it was destroyed in several major earthquakes in the 1600 and 1700's, the capital was moved to it's present location in Guatemala City.

Santa Domingo Convent was almost completely destroyed in the 1700's, but is now a luxury hotel. The reconstruction was faithful to the original plan and the gardens and fountains are beautiful. The underground crypt survived and is accessible with a circular staircase. The city was set up on a grid with 7 main streets and 7 main avenues. All of the streets are cobblestone, but were built wide enough to handle two-way traffic.

We finished the evening with dinner back in Guatemala City with Jeff and Paula at Mexico Lindo. Last year we celebrated Stephen's birthday in El Salvador; this year in Guatemala. Wonder what God has in store for us next year?

Friday in Guatemala

VBS finished up Friday morning . . . .what a great, but really tiring week with 30 nine-year olds. Kids were kept busy moving through 5 different areas: (1) Crafts—Paula did an awesome job and the kids got to take home a name tag, picture frame, key chain, door hanger and a prayer journal; (2) Music with all kinds of actions—the kids loved the songs. If Stephen and I worked in VBS for 4 or 5 weeks in a row, we might finally get all the moves down; (3) Games/Snacks—as always, the inflatable was a hit. Luckily our group got to play before snacking; I'm pretty sure that the fruit mountain which was topped with whipped cream was the favorite of the week; (4) Bible verses—we were constantly amazed by their ability to memorize Bible verses. Almost all of the kids learned the verses everyday; Sophia learned all five verses in Spanish and English; (4) Bible story—Pastor Kyle shared a story and, although, it was the last rotation of the day, they did a fairly good job listening and remembering from day to day.

We are so thankful for Valley Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA, for bringing VBS to Guatemala. I don't know how many extra suitcases they brought to get all of the t-shirts, prizes, candy, crafts here. If you haven't heard 180 kids ringing their own cowbells at the closing session, you haven't really been in VBS!

We said “adios” to some of our kids today as they will not be coming back on Sunday for the super fiesta; we will see some of them again on Sunday morning when they have their super fiesta. I think Paula and I will start popping popcorn a couple of hours before the party starts. Jeff and Stephen will put the inflatable back up and we will also have the cotton candy machine going.

Please pray that the parents who bring their kids to the party will get plugged in to VidaNueva!

Tuesday in Guatemala City

Yesterday was the first day of "Saddleridge Ranch" and 150 kids joined us on the ranch--twenty-four of them were in our nine-year old class! Everyone of them is as cute as can be in their t-shirt and bandana! Stephen and I, along with JJ (our translator) are helpers/guides. We've glued, sang, danced, played, snacked, memorized (in both Spanish and English), listened and generally had lots of fun with them.

Last night was our third evening campaign. The kids here are very well behaved--no pushing or cutting in line. It makes running the inflatable so much easier! I even managed do to it without Paula on Sunday night because she stayed at the hotel to decorate for VBS. The weather is nice, but once it gets dark, the temperature drops and last night the wind was pretty ferocious!

Up this morning for VBS Day 2 at 6:30; quick breakfast and then back to the ranch. This morning our class swelled to 27 kids. The kids are so sweet. For example, Anthony earned a piece of candy for saying yesterday's verse in front of two groups--when he came back to sit down he gave me the candy! They worked really hard to memorize their new Bible verse today--1 Peter 5:7. They thought that the English version: "Casting all your cares on him, for he careth for you", was much shorter than the Spanish version: "Echando toda vuestra ansiedad sobre el, porque el tiene cuidado de vosotros." In reality, the Spanish is one word longer, but most of the individual words are longer than the English words. We can relate to their struggle to correctly pronounce the English words--we have the same problem in reverse.

Pictures: 1. Two sisters from the campaign last night; 2. Bible verse campfire time for the 9-year olds; 3. Daniela--the runner up for crazy hair day and 4. My sweet friend, Anthony.

After just two days, I've decided that there may be some things that I'm too old for. I don't have a chance keeping up with the singing and dancing at VBS; I'm really hoping no one is getting my attempts on video!

Sunday in Guatemala City

Our plane landed in Guatemala City yesterday about noon. After a short trip on the shuttle we checked in to the hotel and had a quick lunch. A giant celebration and lighting of the city's Christmas tree was last night and there were many roads closed next to the hotel. So we left for the campaign earlier than normal to be sure we could get out of the area before the festivities started.

We made our way to a neighborhood we visited on our last trip in August. It wasn't running this time, but it was really windy and cold (okay, maybe in the high 40's with the wind chill.) The inflatable was a big hit, as always. There were many families who stayed for the movie (sitting on the cold ground.) Stephen did a great job sharing the gospel. Our return to the hotel in the nightmare traffic took almost an hour and a half. Think Country Club Plaza lighting ceremony and multiply by 10 There are almost 5 million people in this city and I think they were all there last night.

Church this morning at VidaNueva Guatemala City! Singing in Spanish and English and then a sermon in English! We went to orientation for VBS which starts at 8:00 in the morning. There are more than 200 pre-registered so we're going to be busy!

Campaign tonight in a neighborhood we've never visited. Loved the kids who were so patient and orderly waiting for their turn on the slide!

It seems like I'm always in a hurry or running out of time when I blog and tonight is the same. Watch for VBS pictures and more coming this week.

Pictures: 1. Big and little brothers beside the inflatable last night, 2. Juliana and 4 of her six sons at church this morning, 3. Me and my good friend, Louisa!

Saturday in Costa Rica

We're sitting at the airport this morning waiting for our flight to Guatemala City. Before we leave, I thought I'd reflect on the week. The people of Central America never cease to amaze me; they are so warm and welcoming. Although we were only here one week, we have a whole church full of new "best" friends.

Friday morning's devotion was a time of testimony and the stories of divine appointments were amazing. As usual, the team members acknowledge that they were challenged and changed by the trip and there was much talk about returning next year. We were especially blessed by getting to know Truman from Corinth, Mississippi. It was his first mission trip out of the country. He was a great witness and his gospel presentations on two different evenings were clear and compelling. It was such a privilege to get to know him and we pray that our paths will cross again.

Yesterday morning the team visited the school across the street from the church. Each small group presented a cultural lesson on Thanksgiving. They were able to share about the history of Thanksgiving and present day traditions. The students seemed to be the most interested in the descriptions of the food we eat! Although they could not mention religion or a specific church, they were able to transition to the gospel presentation as they explained the significance of giving thanks to God for his blessings and provisions.

Last night's reception went well. Jorge, Erica and Isaac (we met them Thursday night) were there. They are excited about becoming a part of VidaNueva and I'm sure we will see them at church the next time we are in Costa Rica.

Well, there's so much more, but we will be boarding shortly, so I will finish up by adding a few pictures later today. Please pray for us as we begin VBS in Guatemala. Although we didn't have any inflatables to "wrestle" in Costa Rica, we will have them at the evening campaigns in Guatemala! Also, pray for our physical strength. As a friend of ours said we're on our "Central America in a month tour" during November!

Pictures: 1. Three amigos at the campaign Thursday night, 2. Roger and Natalia (Pastor Rodolfo's daughter), 3. Jorge, Erica and Isaac at the reception Friday night.

Thursday in Costa Rica

It's amazing how fast the week flies during a campaign. The weather has been holding--last night we had a light mist, but no rain. In fact, last night was the largest attendance at the evening movie. We have been bringing plastic chairs (from the church) to set up in front of the screen so that people don't have to sit on the damp/cold ground. Last night a little boy brought his own seat.

We spent three days in the park close to the church and the response has been very good. Today we went to a park in downtown San Jose. Tonight is our final evening campaign because there is a reception at the church tomorrow night. We're praying that many of the individuals who made professions of faith or who were searching for a church will attend the reception.

Pictures today: 1. Two precious best friends in the park--they really loved dancing to the music we played. 2. Bring your own bucket to the movie and you'll always have a place to sit! 3. The smiling translators; we couldn't share without them--they are amazing!

Tuesday in Costa Rica

Hurray--there's more sun than clouds today, at least for the moment. It was really cold yesterday (at least by my standards now) and last night's wind didn't help much. We're praying for more sun and warmer temperatures as people do not want to come to the evening movie when it's cold outside.

Today we are back to the central park. Yesterday the teams presented two dramas and four of the men shared the gospel. The rest of us shared one-on-one throughout the park.

This may be the shortest post ever--it's off to devotions and then to the bus. More later.

Sunday in Costa Rica

This morning started with a great service at Iglesia Bautista Vida Nueva, San Jose. With more than 24 gringos and another 6 Salvadorans, there was standing room only! Pastor Steve Kern from our church in San Salvador preached in English (yea!)

After church we went to TerraMall for lunch at the food court. First time we've seen a Taco Bell since we left. Of course, we had to eat there even though we never ate there when we lived in Lee's Summit.

I've attached several pictures of the Virgin of Los Angeles Basilica in Cartago, Costa Rica. We visited this church because Pastor Rodolfo wanted us to understand the religious culture of the country and the many rituals associated with it. Here's the story of this church which was constructed in 1639: the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is consecrated to the Virgin of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a small representation of the Virgin Mary carrying the infant Jesus, said to have been discovered by a peasant girl in Cartago. The story goes that the little girl found the small statue on a rock and took it home. The next morning she found that the statue was not there but back at the rock, so she took it to the priest and he locked it in a small box. The next morning the statue was back at the rock. During the construction, the church was destroyed by earthquakes so many times, it was finally decided to move it to the location were the statue was found and they were able to finish construction. Many people think that the earthquakes were signs that the Lady of Los Ángeles wanted the basilica built there. The original statue is kept in a golden shell inside the basilica. An official decree declared the Virgin of the Angels the official patron of Costa Rica. In August the Basilica is the object of extensive pilgrimage and visitation by about 1.5 million believers throughout the country, many of whom join in the celebrated 22-kilometer walk to the basilica during the Romería. Though many people start the pilgrimage from locations all over Costa Rica, some, as a demonstration of their piety, choose to crawl the 22 kilometers on their hands and knees.

Additionally, there is a fountain which is believed to have healing power. Visitors wash themselves and drink the water from the rock on which the statue was found. Scientists have since found this water to be safe to drink even though no filtration or chemicals are used to purify the water. (We witnessed many people drinking the water or washing with it; there is even a vendor selling plastic bottles that people purchase to take some of the water home with them.)

The basilica is open all day long and there were many people there today, some were praying, others were just there to take pictures. Another tradition there is for people who are sick to bring small silver medals shaped like body parts, where the shape represents the body part the person is concerned about. The medals are left in front of the statute in hope that they will be cured. After a time, these medals are collected and stored in a "museum-like" room in the basement of the church.

I've attached several pictures--it is a beautiful building, but it is not the "church." Believers, as the body of Christ, are the church and we are to be about our Father's business. Please pray for the team this week as we share the gospel with the people of Costa Rica.

Early trip to the airport

Up at 4:30 this morning to finish last minute packing and pick up the house. William arrived at 5:20 and we were off to the airport. We're now at the gate waiting for our 8:30 flight to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Yesterday we made a trip to the bank to pay our rent. I have talked about how we can pay our electric, cable and water bill at any bank, but for rent, we must go to the bank where our landlord has an account. We stopped at a Banco Agricola near the church (first time at this location.) There's always, always, always a line of people. First thing is to get a ticket (think license bureau) and then wait for your number to be called. Yesterday when she called our number she said: "ciento noventa y tres cajera ocho" and we knew it was us! A few months ago we were in trouble if our number was bigger than 20 and now we're okay up to 193!! That's proof that our Spanish is improving, right?

You never know what you're going to see on the road here. We were driving somewhere the other day and in the lane beside us a truck was pushing a car. We're not talking about them trying to push the broken down car out of the road, but more like they were driving down the road together and going at least 40-50 mph. Can you imagine this on Hiway 50?

Time to board so I've gotta run. Watch for more later this week.

On the road again . . . .

Just a note to say that we are going to be in 4 Central America countries this month! We will make our way to Costa Rica for the first time early Saturday morning. We are flying in and will meet teams from our church in San Salvador, from Blue Springs, MO and Corinth, MS. We won't have the full inflatable setup as it's just two difficult to get them down there--it's a two-day drive across several borders.

The following Saturday the team from San Salvador will make it's way back, but we will fly from Costa Rica to Guatemala City and meet another team from our church in San Salvador, as well as a group from Bakersfield, CA and John & Kay Winchell from ALBC in Lee's Summit. (They come bearing gifts--well, things we ordered and had sent to them--so we will be especially glad to see them.) Everyone is excited about this trip because it's VBS time--schools finished the end of October so it's vacation time and that means VBS! We will go on regular campaigns in the evening and the week will end with a super fiesta and program by the VBS kids.

The trip back to San Salvador on November 20 just happens to be the way Stephen will be celebrating his birthday this year. We will ride back in the truck with Jeff and Paula. We will be home for one week and will try to find a way to celebrate our first Thanksgiving here. On Saturday, November 27 we will start the 12-hour drive to Managua, Nicaragua for the final mission trip of 2010. It will also be our first time in Nicaragua so this will be a month of many "firsts."

Please pray for: (1) good weather as rain makes everything more difficult, (2) safe travels and border crossings for all of the teams and (3) for hearts that are ready to hear and receive the good news.